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6/28/11

DDOT on Cycletracks

The long dormant DDOT blog D.ish has been fired up to update us on the status of the L & M cycletracks, most likely in response to web-based questioning/backlash. Read the whole thing.
After referring to a lot of the recently establish bike infrastrucuture as "pilot" programs (which makes me think of PPW!!!!!), the post gets into the here and now. The key grafs:

Current Status: Since the completion of these facilities, we have revised plans for L and M Streets to a 50% design, and have commenced studying the existing innovative facilities (including the contraflow lanes on New Hampshire). Throughout the process, DDOT has been in contact with adjacent communities, business improvement districts, major property owners/managers, federal regulatory bodies (CFA, NCPC), regional bodies (WMATA, MWCOG), as well as interested citywide parties (WABA, ANCs, development community).

Transportation Planner Jim Sebastian, who oversees DDOT’s Bicycle Program, says “We are waiting on the completion of our studies of the existing cycletracks on Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, and the analysis of the L & M Street corridors, before making a determination on proceeding with the concepts for cycletracks.” DDOT recognizes the need for an east-west bicycle connection through downtown, but we are obligated to consider the impacts on all users (transit riders, pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, the disabled, businesses, residents, etc.) before making a commitment to proceed.

DDOT must take into account many conflicting interests within our transportation network. It is DDOT’s responsibility to consider the likely effects of any new street configuration, and to come up with a recommendation that balances these competing needs. We encourage the community and their political representatives to analyze the same data and draw their own conclusions. DDOT will commit to making any information relevant to these corridors accessible to all, and to discuss at that time the options on the table.

At the same time, it’s also worth noting that DDOT continues to expand the infrastructure for cycling in the District and plans to install 10 miles of bike lanes across the city this year. “The District is committed to providing a world class bicycling infrastructure,” says Acting Director Terry Bellamy, “And we will continue to work on a balanced and safe implementation plan for our community with our citizens help.”

Did you read this and think "sure sounds like these cycletracks are going to happen"? Yeah, me neither. I'm not hopeful, but maybe they'll surprise me. If they're proceeding with an honest, sober and somewhat scientific analysis of the recently installed bike infrastructure to help guide their implementation process, I can understand that and it's totally their prerogative. If they're instead engaged in a deliberate attempt to stall, obfuscate and use "studies" to reconsider the installation of promised bike infrastructure, that's a different story and it flies completely in the face of the stated goals and ambitions of the 2005 Bicycle Master Plan.What do you think?